The Laker Family Network is a resource of the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.
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It's a new year, and we've got lots of fun programming lined up for our Lakers this semester including popular Sibs and Kids Weekend 2023! Get ready for a dino-mite time, and join your student, their siblings, kids, cousins, family friends, or any other dinosaur lovers ages 5+ to participate in Jurassic-themed events from Feb 10-12. Register before Feb 10 to take part in a comedy magic show, inflatables, crafts, dance parties, and more. It’s gonna be a rawr-some weekend!

Academic Support

Happy new year! The 2023 Winter Semester is here, and academic support is just a click away with the Tutoring and Reading Center! We offer free tutoring and academic support to all GVSU students on the Allendale campus and virtually, with hours that fit their schedules. 

Students can schedule an appointment in Navigate for a 50-minute individual tutoring or reading support session with one of our highly trained tutors, or drop by our center on the second floor of Kleiner to see if a tutor is available for drop-in! Students can also schedule weekly recurring appointments for consistent help throughout the semester. 

Encourage your student to connect with the Tutoring and Reading Center to plan for success and Learn Like a Laker!

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) is offering academic success group workshops throughout the winter semester.

January topic:
The Key to Productivity: Time Management Strategies

All interested students should RSVP on the SASC website and view a list of all workshops. If students prefer to discuss these topics one-on-one with a success coach, they can make an appointment on the Success Coaching website. 

Is your student finding it hard to stay motivated throughout the semester? Do you believe they would benefit from someone holding them accountable? They are not alone, and sharing their goals with others can help them commit to completing them! Students are invited to join the Student Academic Success Center’s Accountability Group where students will hold each other accountable, provide support, and motivate each other to have a successful semester.

Wellness

People often resolve to focus on their health as a new year begins. For some, that includes a renewed focus on nutrition. For others, this includes exercise. Taking care of our mental health, as well, is an important way that each of us, and our students, can also take care of our health. Stress, isolation, and untreated mental health symptoms can take a toll on anyone, both mentally and physically.

If your student is health-conscious or you are concerned for their mental health for any reason, we encourage you to talk with them about the importance of their mental health and share with them the wealth of resources available through the University Counseling Center (UCC). Information about services, self-help tools, an online peer support platform, and other resources can be found on the UCC's website. There is no time like the present to set a goal and commit to a healthier, happier year.  

Taking time to rest improves all areas of wellness. Expectations in life can make resting seem impossible or unimportant. Instead, we're encouraging Lakers to change that by making rest a priority! We encourage students to rest, relax, and refresh by “pressing pause”.

Check out Press Pause tips in the RecWell blog and on the RecWell website. 

Students are invited to join the Outdoor Adventures program and the Hospitality and Tourism Department February 10 - 12 as we venture to Munising, MI for the annual Michigan Ice Festival. Participants will have the opportunity to climb iconic frozen waterfalls of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, meet world-class mountaineers, connect with sales reps for many reputable climbing brands, and spend time with other adventurous Lakers. 

Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Thursday, February 9, 6 p.m. in the Climbing Center on the Allendale Campus. For more information and to RSVP, students can visit the Recreation & Wellness website.

Photo: Conrad Wilmers

Did you know? There are updated boosters which became available late last year, and the CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. For more information, please visit the CDC website.

Vaccine appointments are available at the GVSU Campus Health Center and through the Ottawa County Health Department.

• Encourage your student to check our Laker Food Co. Events
Calendar often!

• There’s still time to sign up for a Meal Plan.

• Students/families can add Dining Dollars at any time!

• Encourage your student to try Cool Foods at The Dish and Fresh Food. These meals have a low impact on the climate, making them a delicious way to help the planet.

• Students with dietary questions are encouraged to connect with
the Registered Dietitian.

• Help your student understand waste sorting in on-campus food venues. Learn the items that go into compost, recycling, paper and landfill. Most Laker Food Co. items are compostable or recyclable.

Financial Aid

Winter semester is well underway! Students should have their bill paid or on the deferment plan by now, and they can log in to their myBanner account to view their ebill.  Visit gvsu.edu/studentaccounts/ for information about payment information.

Your student's FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year should be filed by now. If they have any outstanding requirements, they are being directed to the new GVSU Financial Aid Portal to complete those requirements.  

Our online scholarship database, myScholarships, is ready for your student to apply for over 500 scholarship opportunities for the 2023-2024 academic year!

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Resources and Reminders

Important Dates:

March 5 - 12 Spring Break

April 22 Classes End

April 24 - 29 Examinations

April 28 and 29 Commencement

Academic Calendar

Events Calendar